DKN AM-6i Exercise Bike Review

DKN is a Belgium based brand with an ever-growing reputation for building high spec, good-looking machines. They generally come at price that won’t break the bank, and occasionally they boast a feature that does break the mold! This time it’s with the AM-6i Exercise bike and we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at a lot more than just the price tag!…

First things first, you’ll obviously need to assemble it. DKN are sticklers for detail and that extends to precision engineering, meaning that all the holes lined up with the bolts and screws resulting in a smooth and stress-free step by step process. Once assembled, you start to get the overall impression that this machine is a refreshing change from your average cycle. For starters, there’s the colour – the glossy white bodywork with chunky chrome components make this bike look deceivingly expensive. It’s the type of machine that should compliment the home surroundings but also receive compliments if it happens to draw attention.

It’s squat yet sleek design give the appearance of being exceptionally compact. Side by side comparisons to similarly priced competitors showed there wasn’t much in it, yet it’s certainly a great space saving alternative to ellipticals or treadmills. Perhaps one of the best features to mention concerning the frame is its step-through design. Those thoughtful creators at DKN have engineered the bodywork to allow the user plenty of space to climb aboard the bike without obstruction. Normally, a typical exercise bike requires you to ‘swing’ your foot over the top of the frame to reach the other pedal. That can make climbing aboard a challenge for users with limited range of motion, such as some deconditioned or elderly people. The Am-6i however, has a ‘cut out’ space requiring you to lift your foot only 5″ off the floor to step through.

Another impressive aspect of its design is just how DKN have managed to fit a massive 11kg flywheel in there! Combine that with a magnetic, no-contact friction free system and a Poly-V belt drive and you have a pedal motion that’s as smooth as it is quiet. And let’s not forget to mention – ‘challenging’ – as that system offers 32 computer controlled resistance levels, from sedentary to sadistic!!

As well as offering loads of scope for intensity, the AM-6i has plenty of adjustment for riding position. The saddle itself is rather more functional than comfortable, whereas the actual seat stem is rather more worthy of note. It’s substantially chunky and generously coated in chrome plating with the face of the tube flattened off so that the engraved numbers above the holes can be clearly viewed. Incidentally, here is another area where the subtle design and use of quality components isn’t instantly obvious but adds to the overall look of quality and uniqueness.  By the time you pull up the seat until the stem reaches the ‘STOP’ mark, the saddle is sitting a lofty 103 cm from the floor. There is also adjustment of up to 7 cm front to back so it’s fair to say that this bike is fine for taller users! The maximum user weight of 140kg (that’s over 22 stone) is also testament to the build quality.

Unlike most other bikes at this price point, there is no adjustment on the handlebars…but then this isn’t like most other bikes and that extends to the unique design of the handlebars! Their shape resembles an ‘H’ rather than the typical ‘U’ shape and the chunkier thickness gives them a health club appearance.  So the adjustment to the seat should offer the perfect riding position for the body and the handlebars give the user options to vary hand placement.

The pulse grip sensors are conveniently placed on the upper portion of the handlebars. Better yet, you have the option of linking the bike with a chest strap giving you more accurate pulse rate monitoring and the option of utilising Heart rate control.

The console has a menu for 12 course profiles, separated into 3 groups – 4 aimed at beginners, having gentler increases in intensity levels. 4 more challenging courses labelled ‘advanced’ and 4 profiles for ‘performance’ which are ideal for fans of interval type training. The layout simply couldn’t be any clearer. Could there be any improvement overall? Well it just so happens that as good as these features are, DKN have brought about an ingenious optional extra that makes things even better… No, scratch that – Let’s not be coy about it – this thing is downright exceptional – exciting – and it’s called The DKN Motion application!

The AM-6i bike is connectable to any tablet, iPad or Android device via Bluetooth. Once it’s synced your tablet turns into a fitness console that’s as good, if not better, than any commercial machine on the planet! As well as being able to view and control all of your training feedback on the tablet, the application also extends the standard array of programmes to include Watt control, Target Heart Rate training  and more! The ‘more’ bit is where we particularly enjoyed ourselves!…

One outstanding feature of DKN Motion is called ‘iRoutes.’ These are pre-set programmes with a difference! – You can choose a course from some of the most iconic spots on the globe… And cycle round them!  Best of all, whether you’re cycling the Madrid 10K in Spain or racing round America’s Central Park, the other functions of your tablet can be running in the background, uninterrupted.  This feature does more than just add a bit of variety – it has the power to provide long-term motivation and entertainment to your workouts.

Now let’s not allow all this DKN Motion excitement to overshadow what’s really under the spotlight – after all, the AM-6i can generate it’s fair share all on it’s own! Here’s a bike with gorgeous contemporary style, great build quality and plenty of spec…all for a reasonable price… Happy? We certainly were!…

Then we placed a tablet onto the holder on the console….after that moment, ‘happy’ just didn’t quite sum up the silly grins on the faces of our review team!!

Best Price

The DKN AM-6i is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Review Summary - In Brief

The AM-6i from DKN is a stylish and modern-looking exercise bike and with it, DKN seem to have considered a full range of users, from the tablet generation for whom the free DKN Motion app will be a big appeal right the way to elderly users who are bound to appreciate the step-through design of the main body. We like the AM-6i a lot and have no hesitation in recommending it!

DKN AM-6i Specifications

    • Flywheel: 11 kg
    • Levels of Resistance: 32
    • Poly V-belt Drive System
    • Adjustable Seat for Different Reach and Height
    • Console: 2 Colour, Blacklit LCD
    • Console Feedback:  Speed, Time Elapsed, Theoretical Calories burn, Heart Pulse, Watts
    • User is able to set  4 Console Profiles:  (Height, Age , Weight, Gender)
    • Console Programming includes: Manual, 12 Preset (4 novice, 4 advance, 4 performance), Watt Control and Heart Rate Control.
    • Heart Rate Measurement: Pulse Grip Sensors &  Wireless Receiver (chest strap not included)
    • Equipped with Tablet Holder
    • Compatible with iPad and Android tablets (From 3.1 and resolution not less than 1280 x 800)
    • Tablet App. is available for free download at iTunes or Google Play Store
    • DKN Motion App Functions : 12 User Profiles, Watt Control, Preset Programmes, Pulse Rate Control, Intuitive Controls, iRoutes,  Each User Profile stores history of 10 Exercise Sessions
    • Size in use: Length = 100cm (39.4”) x Widht = 60cm (23.6”) x Height = 135cm (53.1”)
    • Max User Weight: 140kg (308lbs)
    • Product Weight: 41kg (90.4lbs)
    • Warranty: 2 Years (Parts and Labour)

DKN AM-6i Exercise Bike - Console / Display Unit

DKN AM-6i Exercise Bike - User Reviews

The Pros

  • Great looking, contemporary design
  • 11kg flywheel delivers a smooth ride
  • 32 Levels of Resistance
  • DKN Motion compatible with an iPad or Android device….

The Cons

  • You’ll ultimately want DKN Motion if you don’t already have a tablet device!
DKN AM-6i Exercise Bike Reviewer Ratings

 

Appearance - 9.5
Smoothness - 9
Comfort - 9
Programmes - 9
Ease Of Use - 9
Warranty - 9
Value for Money - 10
Best Price

The DKN AM-6i is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Also see our Exercise Bike Comparison Table

Whilst every effort is made to give you accurate information we cannot guarantee the technical specification. Models change on a regular basis and may differ slightly from the above review. We recommend you contact the retailer if you have a question regarding technical data. Please read our Legal Disclaimer

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